13.4.13

John Eliot Gardiner’s Bach recordings on his label, Soli Deo Gloria, are gorgeous in every way. The packaging is a joy to behold; the artwork, the notes, the choice of fonts… everything exudes thoughtfulness. The same is true for their live performances—here the six Motets of Bach which not only Gardiner considers among the cantor’s “most perfect… most hypnotic… works”. With minimal continuo accompaniment, the Monteverdi Choir (its second recording) excels in a felt, taciturn way. But the competition is tough: The Nederlands Kamerkoor’s even purer, voice-focused rendering (Channel), for example, the persuasive, determined Suzuki (BIS) shines brighter, or Sigiswald Kuijken’s riveting 20-year-old account (Accent) with added instrumental texture easily brave Gardiner’s challenge.